AdventHealth Briefing (June 10, 2021) – Last week on the AdventHealth Morning Briefing, Dr. Vincent Hsu, AdventHealth epidemiologist, answered the latest questions about where we stand now with COVID-19 and what’s ahead. About 220 people are hospitalized in AdventHealth’s hospitals across Central Florida, the lowest number in about a year, though the risk associated with COVID-19 variants means more people must be vaccinated, said Dr. Hsu.

Nearly all of the COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized are people who have not been vaccinated, he said, noting that local “breakthrough infections” or those that occur after full vaccination are extremely uncommon and typically happen in people with underlying conditions or weakened immune systems.

“The ones we see now in the ICU, in the hospitals, almost all of them have not been vaccinated,” Hsu said. “It should continue to be a lesson for all of us.”

Watch the Facebook LIVE video here.

Delta Variant Doubles Risk of Hospitalization – First detected in India in October, the Delta variant has shown to double the risk of hospitalization. Unfortunately, the Delta variant now accounts for nearly 10% of new cases in the U.S. and vaccination remains the best way to prevent the spread of the variants. In fact, a UK study, published in a research letter in the Lancet, found that  COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca offer high protection of more than 90% against hospitalization from the Delta coronavirus variant. More details here.

Novavax: Large Study Finds COVID-19 Shot About 90% Effective – Vaccine maker Novavax announced its shot is highly effective against COVID-19 and protects against variants in a large, late-stage study in the U.S. and Mexico. The vaccine was about 90% effective overall and preliminary data showed it was safe. The company plans to seek authorization for the shots in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere by the end of September. The Novavax vaccine is made with lab-grown copies of the coronavirus’ spike protein. That’s different from some of the other vaccines now widely used, which include genetic instructions for the body to make its own spike protein. The Novavax vaccine, which is easy to store and transport, is expected to play an important role in boosting vaccine supplies in the developing world. More details here.

As More Kids Experience Long COVID-19, Experts Can’t Yet Predict Who Is at Risk – According to the CDC’s interim guidance on treating long-haulers, many post-COVID conditions can be managed by primary care providers. However, it is important to note that long COVID is not an adults-only phenomenon. Even as the pandemic ebbs in the U.S., more children and adolescents are experiencing chronic symptoms after COVID-19 affecting multiple organ systems: neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and dermatologic. Although the disease has played out in ways that differ between adults and children, long COVID-19 is posing the same mystery in kids as in adults and there is no way to currently predict who might be vulnerable to later difficulties.  More details here.

CDC Report Looks At COVID-19 Adolescent Hospitalization Rates – COVID-19 adolescent hospitalization rates peaked at 2.1 per 100,000 in early January 2021, declined to 0.6 in mid-March and rose to 1.3 in April, according to a CDC report.Among hospitalized teens, nearly a third required ICU admission and 5% required invasive mechanical ventilation. Until they are fully vaccinated, adolescents should continue to wear masks and take precautions to protect themselves and others. Much of this can be prevented. Learn more here.

Keeping You Informed

Man Perseveres Through Medical Crisis While Training for American Ninja Warrior – Vinny Tapia, 46, a landscaper from New Smyrna Beach, says from the first time he watched American Ninja Warrior, he wanted to be on the show. So, he began training — hard. But one year into his training, he experienced chest pain. Tapia drove himself to the emergency room at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs where an EKG revealed some alarming news, he had a blockage in his heart’s main artery. A team of specialists quickly found the clot and not only saved Tapia’s life, but got him back on the road to compete as a ninja. His latest episode airs on WESH TV June 21. More on the story here.

Tapia is using his platform to raise money for AdventHealth’s Trina Hidalgo Center. Click here to donate to the AdventHealth Foundation in Central Florida

AdventHealth Improves Emergency Services in Central Florida with Upgrades in Winter Park and Orlando – AdventHealth is upgrading emergency services in Central Florida with an all-new emergency room at AdventHealth Winter Park and an expansion of the emergency room at AdventHealth Orlando.  The new and improved ER includes all private rooms, two trauma/bariatric rooms and state-of-the-art imaging and testing capabilities. It will also include pediatric friendly rooms and a separate pediatric waiting area to make visits more welcoming for children. More details here.

AdventHealth Orlando Unveiled a Major Expansion to the Ginsburg East Tower – The 65,000 square foot buildout includes an expanded ER, new cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center, as well as a new ECHO unit.

The Ginsburg East Tower is part of the Ginsburg Family Foundation generous gift to AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida. This space will provide the Orlando community with the additional tools needed for early detection, prevention and education. See photos if the new tower here.

Important Resources

We encourage you to use the following resources for your top COVID-19 questions and concerns:

  • Coronavirus Vaccine Alerts – Those who wish to be notified when additional vaccines might be available can register for alerts at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.
  • Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub – AdventHealth launched a Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub and includes everything from FAQs, latest news and information on the AdventHealth vaccine team and our scientific committee. Visit www.CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com to learn more about the vaccine.
  • AdventHealth Safe Business Program – AdventHealth is here to help as a trusted health care provider committed to safely care for Central Florida. We are working with local businesses to help them safeguard their employees and customers and continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Helpful tips can be found at AdventHealthCFLSafeBusiness.com.  
  • If you have questions about COVID-19 or wonder if you should be tested, call the free AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line at 877-VIRUS-HQ (877-847-8747). You can also find information at www.CoronaVirusSignsAndSymptoms.com.
  • Donation Hub – For ways you can help, including sending notes of encouragement to our caregivers, as well as virtual volunteering opportunities, please click here.
  • Mental Health – If you, your family, or colleagues, are in need of emotional help during this uncertain time, the Heart of Florida United Way 211 Information and Referral Crisis Line is connecting residents with information about available resources in the Central Florida community. Whether it’s finding out the location of the nearest food pantry or seeking information related to the virus, 211 Call Specialists are there to help.
  • Virtual Visit Options – AdventHealth Virtual Visits are available now for primary care, pediatrics and specialty care, as well as physical therapy. In the comfort of your home, you can speak with a medical provider by a video visit or phone call.
  • Health Coverage Support – If you or someone you know has recently lost their health insurance due to the COVID-19 crisis, free help is available from certified navigators through the Primary Care Access Network at CoveringCFL.net.
  • Convalescent Plasma Need – AdventHealth is actively recruiting potential plasma donors and currently has supplies to meet all treatment requests. Convalescent plasma is one of the important resources our physicians are using to help COVID-19 patients recover. Please visit OneBlood’s website and donate plasma if you qualify.